Husband, four other astronauts to visit city

Five astronauts will land in Amarillo this weekend for a visit to space shuttle pilot Rick Husband's hometown.

Husband will be joined by crew members Dan Barry, Ellen Ochoa, Julie Payette and Kent Romiger.

Eric Miller, director of communications for the Amarillo Convention and Visitor Council, said Husband expressed an interest in bringing his crewmates here to show off his hometown.

"We just picked up on his wish and are following through," Miller said.

The astronauts will arrive Friday afternoon and head to the Big Texan Steak Ranch for an evening of opry and steak.

Saturday begins with a public presentation of the gifts from the Amarillo area that astronauts took into space during their mission. The 10 a.m. presentation will be at the Amarillo Civic Center Grand Plaza.

Several schools gave flags to the crew to represent Amarillo in space.

Crew members will speak about their mission and answer audience questions.

Amarillo Mayor Kel Seliger will present the keys to the city to the astronauts.

The astronauts will see the final performance of "Texas" Saturday at Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

They will finish their tour of Amarillo at the Bell Helicopter Tiltrotor Facility.

Eighteen organizations and individuals are funding the visit, Miller said.